Rhode Island’s General Assembly is again considering legislation that would give terminally ill people the option to die in their sleep using prescribed medication. The legislation hasn’t garnered much support in the past, but State Sen. Meghan Kallman is hoping this year will be different. Afternoon host Dave Fallon spoke with Kallman as well as […]
Local
Posted inHousing, Local
‘It’s a lot harder.’ Unhoused people, advocates respond to West Warwick’s ban on camping
Work for Rivka Reynolds started to look different a few months ago. As a peer recovery specialist for Thrive Behavioral Health in West Warwick, she used to spend her days visiting the homeless people she supports in their encampments. Now, she spends a lot more time driving around, looking for people. “Before we had an […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Cunha resigns as U.S. attorney for Rhode Island
Zachary A. Cunha resigned his position as U.S. attorney for Rhode Island on Monday at the direction of the White House, his office said. Cunha, who assumed his role in December 2021, was nominated by President Joe Biden. Presidents often replace U.S. Attorneys appointed by their predecessor and Cunha was not expected to stay on […]
Posted inLocal
Mapping the Green Book in New England
In the decades before the 1964 Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination in public places, traveling throughout the country could be a minefield for Black Americans, including in New England. Finding safe places to stay or eat where they wouldn’t be turned away was a challenge. That’s where the Green Book came in. A nationwide travel […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb.14, 2025
Spring is drawing closer and — huzzah! — the Sox suddenly look much better. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Providence is Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, Transportation
RIDOT head says RI has enough bridge money even with possible Trump block on funds
Even if the Trump administration hangs onto hundreds of millions of federal dollars already promised to Rhode Island, the state will have more than enough money to build a new westbound Washington Bridge, Transportation Director Peter Alviti said Thursday. Alviti said more than $600 million has been allocated for the bridge and a series of […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Metro Desk
Incarcerated Muslims accuse RIDOC of religious discrimination in new lawsuit
A group of Muslim men incarcerated at the state’s high security prison complex in Cranston filed a lawsuit in federal court Thursday, alleging the facility is placing illegal restrictions on their ability to practice their faith. Lawyer Jared Goldstein with the Roger Williams School of Law and attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union of […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Rhode Island is searching for a new historian laureate
Rhode Island has a job opening right now that doesn’t come around too often. The state is accepting applications for the position of historian laureate. The historian laureate delivers lectures about Rhode Island’s past at special events and formal ceremonies, provides historical information to state officials, and edits state-sponsored historical publications. After serving in the […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Judge says sale of RI hospitals can move forward
Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence have been losing money for years. According to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, that’s because the California hedge fund that owns them has prioritized investor returns over patient care. California-based Prospect Medical is now trying to sell these two […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Progressive lawmakers call for stronger effort to help working people
Legislative supporters of the Rhode Island Working Families Party say that Donald Trump and his administration underscore the need for Democrats to support policies that help working people. State Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston) said Democrats need to be bold after losing the White House in November. And while some may debate what the party stands […]
